The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of all eight persons onboard. It described the incident as a national tragedy and extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased. “The New Patriotic Party is reeling with sorrow and grief following the tragic crash of a military helicopter that claimed the lives of all eight persons onboard,” it said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
National loss
It said the loss of the eight persons, including two Cabinet Ministers, went beyond the immediate families of the victims, and was “a profound loss to the entire nation they worked to protect and build.” It said no words could capture the anguish of the moment, praying that “the Almighty God grants them comfort and strength during this excruciatingly difficult period.” “In this time of grief, we call on all Ghanaians to come together in unity, prayer and compassion. Let us stand with the families left behind. Let us console and strengthen one another,” the statement stated.
Investigations
It called for an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, demanding accountability and transparency. “We call for a thorough, transparent and swift investigation into the cause of the crash. The dignity of the lives lost demands answers and accountability to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
Minority
In a related development, the Minority Caucus in Parliament referred to the incident as “a national tragedy” and offered condolences to the bereaved families and the nation as a whole. Following the formal announcement earlier today by Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, which confirmed the tragic loss of life in a military helicopter crash, I would like to express my profound grief, on behalf of the Minority in Parliament, over this devastating accident that has claimed eight precious Ghanaian lives.
In a statement issued by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Caucus emphasized that all the victims had embarked on their mission with the singular goal of serving the country, highlighting their commitment to public service beyond party lines. The statement noted, “Hon. Dr. Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and I may have sat across the parliamentary aisle, but we shared countless moments of genuine discourse about Ghana’s future. His passion for environmental protection transcended party politics.”
Omane Boamah
The statement acknowledged Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s leadership at the Defence Ministry, praising him for bringing a scholar’s intellect and a patriot’s heart to his role as Defence Minister. It highlighted his deep commitment to modernizing the armed forces while preserving the values that make Ghana’s military a source of national pride.
Extending condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minority expressed, “Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief. In this moment of national tragedy, we stand united with you as Ghanaians, mourning together.” The statement emphasized the need for national unity and collective responsibility in honoring the departed, urging, “Let us honor these eight souls by supporting our Armed Forces, protecting Ghana’s environment, and working together for our nation’s security and prosperity.”
By: Albert K. Salia & Samuel Duodu
